Zubairu Idris , Executive Director, Wadata Media Advocacy Centre (WAMAC), says investigative journalism is key to exposing corruption issues and complementing the efforts of anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria.
The director said this at a townhall organised by WAMAC, in partnership with Radio Nigeria, Fombina FM, Yola, with support from MacArthur Foundation in Yola on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the meeting is “Safeguarding Public Infrastructure Against Corrupt Practices: The Role of Community.”
Idris said such reports would aid Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to reduce corruption and bad governance.
He urged journalists and relevant stakeholders to sensitise the public on the need to fight corruption for the development of the country.
He added that “we believe that communities have vital roles to play in ensuring that public infrastructure are protected and utilised for the benefit of all.”
Mr Johna Agye, the Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) commended the centre for the step taken and described it as timely as corruption affected present and future development of Nigeria.
Agye, represented by his Assistant Director in the agency, Mr Richard Dangari, said “it is time for everyone to protect public infrastructure and fight corrupt practices in the state and country at large.”
He called on stakeholders to contribute their quota in safeguarding public infrastructure for the good of everyone and those yet unborn.
In his remarks, Prof. Bashir Aliyu, a Lecturer at Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, said infrastructure are for public good and must be safeguarded from community to national level.
He said there are different forms of corruption and ccommunities have roles to play for more development in their rrespectiveareas.
He added that ensuring security, whistleblowing, funds contribution and community participation are crucial to exposing corrupt practices.
NAN reports that religious leaders, Civil Society Organisations and other groups promised to step down the messages in Churches, Mosques and other gatherings to achieve the intended objectives.